Local schools in recent years have added lockdown drills to the
traditional safety drills for earthquakes and fire.

"Because of this (shooting), there might be a slight leaning toward
lockdowns instead of earthquakes," Keyes said.

During lockdown drills, the Kitsap County Department of Emergency
Management teaches teachers and staff members to keep students locked
in classrooms and away from windows before turning off the lights. The
purpose is to give the impression that the classrooms are empty.

Beyond logistical drills, Kitsap schools try to identify and help
students who are likely to turn violent or suicidal.

North Kitsap schools next week will host a training session on youth
mental illness. Bainbridge High School guidance counselors have weekly
meetings to assess ongoing support for students who have academic or
emotional problems.

"Drills are necessary and important," Keyes said, "but prevention is
our first objective."

Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island, said Wednesday in
Olympia that he had already planned to push a bill this legislative
session that would improve school security.

Kitsap school districts already have implemented many of
Rockefeller's ideas, including coordination with local
emergency-response agencies, regularly updating school maps and
identifying school transportation procedures.

Rockefeller said he wants schools to conduct at least one safety
drill each month that schools are in session, conduct an inventory of
all hazardous materials and identify all staff members who are trained
on the national incident management system.